MusicNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94MusicWed, 07 Dec 2016 04:37:44 +0000Musichttp://peoriapublicradio.org
Nathan IrwinThis week, we're talking with George Stelluto - Music Director of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra - and with cellist Richard Hirschl. The PSO presents a concert of Russian music in its next concert, including an overture by Mikhail Glinka, Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, and the Cello Concerto by Dmitri Shostakovich. Hirschl offers a performer's perspective on the Shostakovich work and it's historical context, and Stelluto describes how Tchaikovsky's symphony reflects the composer's emotional state. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra will perform "Russian Masters" Saturday night at 8:00 in the Peoria Civic Center Theatre. Peoria Symphony Features "Russian Masters"http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/peoria-symphony-features-russian-masters
67335 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 18 Nov 2016 18:44:09 +0000Peoria Symphony Features "Russian Masters"Nathan IrwinToday, we're talking with Dr. John Jost from the Bradley Music Department. He's conducting the Bradley Community Chorus, Chorale and Symhony Orchestra in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "Requiem" next Sunday. Jost notes that Verdi's background as an opera composer is on display in this choral work, in it's intensity and sudden emotional contrasts. He also gives a little background on the work, and talks about the process of putting three large ensembles and soloists together for the upcoming performance. Verdi's "Requiem" will be performed Sunday, November 20th at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria. Bradley Community Chorus presents Verdi's "Requiem"http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/bradley-community-chorus-presents-verdis-requiem
67033 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 11 Nov 2016 19:22:05 +0000Bradley Community Chorus presents Verdi's "Requiem"Nathan IrwinThis week, we're talked with young pianist Harmony Zhu, and with George Stelluto, Music Director of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Zhu is the featured soloist in the PSO's upcoming concert, which features the works of three musical prodigies -- Mozart. Mendelssohn, and Beethoven. Zhu offers us a look inside the life of a young performer. Stelluto talks about how he became aware of her, and invited her to perform with the PSO. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra's concert, "Prodigies," will be performed tomorrow night at 8:00 at Grace Presbyetrian Church in Peoria. Peoria Symphony Presents Musical Prodigies This Weekendhttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/peoria-symphony-presents-musical-prodigies-weekend
66105 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 21 Oct 2016 16:46:21 +0000Peoria Symphony Presents Musical Prodigies This WeekendNathan IrwinThis week, we're talking with David Commanday, Artistic Director of the Heartland Festival Orchestra. Their next concert, "Mozart's Masterpieces," is tomorrow night at 7:30 at Five Points Washington. The program includes two pieces by Mozart, accompanied by works of Luigi Boccherini and Giovanni Paisiello. Commanday talks about the works in the concert, about pairing Mozart with his two contemporaries, and about the orchestra's community partner for this concert. HFO Presents Music of Mozart and His Peershttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/hfo-presents-music-mozart-and-his-peers
65793 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 14 Oct 2016 16:59:09 +0000HFO Presents Music of Mozart and His PeersNathan IrwinThis week, we're on the phone with jazz legend Ramsey Lewis. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra kicks off its new season in a concert with the Ramsey Lewis Trio this weekend. The program includes jazz standards, and Lewis' own "Concerto for Jazz Trio" and orchestra. Lewis talks about the genesis of his piece, which was first written for the Joffrey Ballet. He also connects the work to the improvisational traditions of the Baroque era, and reflects on the state of jazz today. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents its concert with the Ramsey Lewis Trio tomorrow night at 8:00 at the Peoria Civic Center Theatre. Peoria Symphony Opens Its Season with Ramsey Lewishttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/peoria-symphony-opens-its-season-ramsey-lewis
64640 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 16 Sep 2016 16:42:44 +0000Peoria Symphony Opens Its Season with Ramsey LewisNathan IrwinDavid Commanday is with us this week, talking about the first concert in the Heartland Festival Orchestra's upcoming concert. Their eighth season opens, fittingly, with a performance of Beethoven's Symphony no. 8. The orchestra is also joined by violinist Rachel Barton Pine in Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D. Commanday talks about both of those pieces, about some of the events Barton Pine will be presenting ahead of the concert, and about the orchestra's featured community partner, the Community Workshop and Training Center. The concert is Saturday night at 7:30 at Five Points Washington. Heartland Festival Orchestra presents "Beethoven's Eighth Wonder"http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/heartland-festival-orchestra-presents-beethovens-eighth-wonder
64324 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 09 Sep 2016 17:13:01 +0000Heartland Festival Orchestra presents "Beethoven's Eighth Wonder"Nathan IrwinThis week, we're talking Jack Manis, about the Peoria Blues and Heritage Music Festival. The Festival is even bigger than in past years -- and features a new name, as well. Manis talks about some of the musicians and bands who will be featured this weekend, how the festival has grown, and the experience the organizers are hoping to provide for attendees. The Peoria Blues and Heritage Music Festival runs Friday from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday from noon to midnight, on the Peoria Riverfront. Blues and Heritage Festival Returns to the Peoria Riverfont This Weekendhttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/blues-and-heritage-festival-returns-peoria-riverfont-weekend
64036 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 02 Sep 2016 16:34:10 +0000Blues and Heritage Festival Returns to the Peoria Riverfont This WeekendNathan IrwinThis week, we're joined by Lyndsay Byers, from Dramatic Crossroads. The concert presents what the group calls "a new spin on what you think of as opera." The program blends opera and classical music, with musical theatre, and contemporary music performed in an operatic style. The intent is to show the parallels between opera and musical genres, and to make opera more accessible to concert-goers. "Hip-hOpera" will be presented Saturday night at 6:30 at t he Contemporary Art Center in downtown Peoria. Dramatic Crossroads presents "Hip-hOpera"http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/dramatic-crossroads-presents-hip-hopera
63715 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 26 Aug 2016 17:30:32 +0000Dramatic Crossroads presents "Hip-hOpera"Nathan IrwinNathan Irwin talks by phone John Wright, founder of the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra. The band is playing tonight at the Contemporary Art Center in downtown Peoria - part of the CAC's weekly "Live at the Five Spot" concert series. Wright talks a little bit about the style of music the band plays, which grew out of the myriad interests and influences of the band members. He also talks about the band's busy touring schedule and output of new CDs. The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra performs tonight at 5:30 at the Contemporary Art Center, 305 Water Street in Peoria. Galactic Cowboy Orchestra performs at the CAChttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/galactic-cowboy-orchestra-performs-cac
63363 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 19 Aug 2016 17:15:10 +0000Galactic Cowboy Orchestra performs at the CACNathan IrwinWe're talking with Marcia Jansen from the Pekin Civic Chorus, about their concert, "Hooray for Hollywood." Jansen talks about the history of the chorus, and some of the work that goes into the concerts they present every other year. She also talks about the repertoire in this year's concert, and about the chorus's rehearsal process as they get closer to performance week. "Hooray for Hollywood" continues with performances Friday night, Satuday night and Sunday afternoon in the F. M. Peterson Theater at the Pekin Community High School. Pekin Civic Chorus presents "Hooray for Hollywood"http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/pekin-civic-chorus-presents-hooray-hollywood
60038 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 10 Jun 2016 18:51:41 +0000Pekin Civic Chorus presents "Hooray for Hollywood"Judith ValenteAn increasing number of senior citizen facilities are using music therapy to help the elderly improve their cognitive skills, avoid depression and even stay more physically fit.Rory Bolton recently completed graduate studies in music therapy and piano performance at Illinois State University. Throughout his time at ISU, the 28-year-old singer performed at private parties and on cruise ships. For the past several months, Bolton has sung and played old standards and classic pop songs at Twin Cities residences for seniors.Bolton used his training in music therapy to gage the effect certain kinds of music have on the elderly.Bolton said music seems to offer the most benefit when seniors actively participate by singing, dancing or even tapping their toes to the beat."Music employs so many different facets and has the ability to activate so many parts of the brain simultaneously, as well as the ability to evoke emotional responses from the listeners and participants," Bolton said. "It reallyMusic Therapy Helps Elderly Remain Fithttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/music-therapy-helps-elderly-remain-fit
59890 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgTue, 07 Jun 2016 23:25:47 +0000Music Therapy Helps Elderly Remain FitNathan IrwinWe're talking this week with David Commanday, Artistsic Director of the Heartland Festival Orchestra. They're finishing their 7th season by joining forces with the Peoria Area Civic Chorale to perform Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana." The program also includes music by Dvorak and Arvo Part. Commanday talks about all three works, about the logistics of bringing the orchestra and chorus together, and about the community partner featured in this concert. The performance is tomorrow night at 7:30 at Five Points Washington. HFO closes its season with "Carmina Burana"http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/hfo-closes-its-season-carmina-burana
59717 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 03 Jun 2016 17:35:01 +0000HFO closes its season with "Carmina Burana"Jon NortonCheap Trick Helps Bond A Father And Daughterhttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/cheap-trick-helps-bond-father-and-daughter
58136 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 29 Apr 2016 22:08:25 +0000Cheap Trick Helps Bond A Father And DaughterNathan IrwinThis week, we talk with Dennis 'Boz' Bosley and Danny Meyers, the founding members of the Rooster Alley Band. First formed in 1992, the band has been playing their original, rock-infused style of blues in central Illinois for almost twenty-five years. Bosley and Meyers talk about the origins of the band, their approach to writing music, and about playing upwards of 100 gigs each year -- in venues large and small. The Rooster Alley Band is performing tonight at 5:30 at the Contemporary Art Center, at 305 SW Water Street in Peoria. The band also released a new CD, "Cock-A-Doodle-Doo," earlier this year. Rooster Alley Band brings the blues to the CAChttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/rooster-alley-band-brings-blues-cac
56505 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 25 Mar 2016 12:00:00 +0000Rooster Alley Band brings the blues to the CACNathan IrwinBarry Cloyd is back this week. The singer/songwriter is performing tonight, as part of the Forest Park Nature Center's "Songs from the Woods" concert series. Cloyd talks about his long association with the Nature Center, the band he has put together for this concert, and about his songwriting process. The concert is tonight at 7:00 at the Peoria Park District's Noble Center on North University in Peoria (the former location of the Peoria Riverfront Museum). "Barry Cloyd and Friends" present a concert for the Forest Park Nature Center tonighthttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/barry-cloyd-and-friends-present-concert-forest-park-nature-center-tonight
54860 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 19 Feb 2016 21:21:32 +0000"Barry Cloyd and Friends" present a concert for the Forest Park Nature Center tonightNathan IrwinThis week, we're talking with David Commanday, Music Director of the Heartland Festival Orchestra. The HFO kicks off the new year with a concert called "New Year's Greeting - Broadway Rhythm." Broadway performers Bev and Kirby Ward will be featured in selections from the Great American Songbook. We talk about the repertoire in the concert, the parallels between American musical theatre and Viennese waltzes, and about the orchestra's community partners -- Crittendon Centers. The concert is Saturday night at 7:30 at Five Points Washington. Heartland Festival Orchestra features music of Broadwayhttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/heartland-festival-orchestra-features-music-broadway
52910 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 08 Jan 2016 19:59:24 +0000Heartland Festival Orchestra features music of BroadwayNathan IrwinThis week, we're talking with Dr. Joseph Henry, conductor of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. They're presenting their holiday concert, "An American Family Christmas" this weekend at Five Points Washington. We talk about the Chorale's repertoire of sacred and secular works -- including John Rutter's "Gloria." We also talk about the history and development of the concert, the rehearsal process, and Henry's recent return to PACC after a few years' sabbatical. Performances are tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday afternoon. PACC presents its "American Family Christmas"http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/pacc-presents-its-american-family-christmas
52044 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 18 Dec 2015 17:56:00 +0000PACC presents its "American Family Christmas"Nathan IrwinThis week, we're talking with Shawn Degenhart, from GospelFest Ministries. They're presenting a holiday concert, "Christmas in the Country." Degenhart talks about gospel music as a genre, how it differs from other choral traditions, and some of the works in the program. He also talks about being able to make the concert free of charge for the first time this year. The performance is Saturday night at 7:00 at Five Points Washington. "Christmas in the Country" celebrates the season with gospel musichttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/christmas-country-celebrates-season-gospel-music
51038 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 27 Nov 2015 19:36:37 +0000"Christmas in the Country" celebrates the season with gospel musicNathan IrwinWe're joined this week by John Jost, conductor of the Bradley Community Chorus, and Bradley Symphony Orchestra conductor Tim Semanik. They're both conducting this weekend's concert, which features Mozart's "Mass in C" and Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem." They talk about the contrasting moods of the two selections -- the Mozart is a boisterous, joyful work; the Vaughan Williams is more solemn. They also talk a little about the process of rehearsing the two ensembles separately, before joining them in the final few rehearsals. The concert is Sunday afternoon at 3:00 at the Dingeldine Music Center. Bradley ensembles present music of Mozart and Vaughan Williamshttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/bradley-ensembles-present-music-mozart-and-vaughan-williams
50802 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgSun, 22 Nov 2015 01:33:36 +0000Bradley ensembles present music of Mozart and Vaughan WilliamsNathan IrwinThis week, we're talking with Scott Kanoff, from the Bradley Theatre Department, about their production of "High Fidelity." The musical is an adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel (and the subsequent film), and features a score that draws inspiration from several decades of rock and pop music. Kanoff talks about some of the music featured in the show. He also talks about introducing his students -- raised in a world of iTunes and Spotify -- to vinyl LPs. Performances of "High Fidelity" continue Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon at the Hartmann Center on the Bradley campus. Bradley Theatre pulls out the vinyl for fall musicalhttp://peoriapublicradio.org/post/bradley-theatre-pulls-out-vinyl-fall-musical
49661 as http://peoriapublicradio.orgFri, 30 Oct 2015 12:00:00 +0000Bradley Theatre pulls out the vinyl for fall musical